When work is worship

Come Dussehra, leading business and sports names reveal their tools of success and the instruments that play a role in their professional livesHardik Pandya Indian cricketer “Since I am an all-rounder, for me, the bails would be something I would worship related to work. Cricket is everything for me. I can’t imagine life without it. When I bat or bowl, they [the bails] play a very important role.” Suresh Narayanan Chairman, Nestlé India “I worship, trust and have witnessed the power of people. [During my career] I have tried to empower, enable and nurture my team to ensure that our relationships stay strong, durable, credible and sustainable. I have abiding faith in the strength and support of employees, partners, distributors, suppliers and consumers. My life’s learning has been that if you take care of people, they take care of you.” Abhyuday Jindal MD, Jindal Stainless Ltd “If work is worship, worship is integrity. The integrity of intent and action. The integrity of human relationships, of allowing them to change the world, starting with ourselves, for a better version. The integrity of practising what we preach. The integrity of courage, taking risks and owning the rewards and retributions that come with it.” Peyush Bansal Founder, Lenskart.com “For me, an integral part of my work day is my hot cup of coffee. That is what keeps me going through the day. Moreover, some of the world’s most effective thoughts happen over morning coffee.” Nikhil Mohan Founder, Blackberrys Menswear “If work is worship, I would revere asking questions. The single-minded pursuit of why behind whys. Sooner or later, it provides an answer for all maladies.” Priyanka Gill Founder, POPxo “I may not have a worship ritual, but my iPhone is central to my work life. Since I am always on the go, I catch up on everything through my phone — be it emails, taking updates from my team, or little in-between-work breaks and scrolling through my Instagram feed. It makes my work day easier and it’s usually the first thing I check before and after bed.” Gunjan Soni Head, Jabong and CMO, Myntra “[When it comes to work] I can’t live without my iPhoneiWatch combo. It’s my lifeline to getting everything done. At home the virtual assistants are the new favourite — from weather forecast to favourite songs to switching off lights — dependence [on technology] is increasing to newer heights.” Rani Rampal India hockey team captain “I play hockey and my hockey stick would be the thing related to work that I would worship. It is very integral to my game and I have lost count of the number of goals and winning passes it has helped me make during my career. I do have a number of hockey sticks and they all have had a role to play in my success over the years.” Satyen Momaya CEO, Celio Future Fashion Pvt Ltd India “An integral part of my office life would be focusing on building my health and wellbeing to be able to deal with daily work challenges and chase ambitious goals. Along with my daily prayer, I practice the technique for inner peace and well-being. Transcendental meditation acts like a turbo charger to the mind.” etpanache@timesgroup.com